Voters in Kansas City have rejected two ballot issues that would have raised sales taxes for unspecified projects.

The measures would have raised about $1 billion over the next 25 years.

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The Kansas City Council and Mayor Sly James opposed both questions.

The measures were ordered on the ballot in the fight over Clay Chastain's light rail plan, but Chastain came out against them. Chastain has announced plans to run for mayor of Kansas City next year, even though he spends most of his time in Virginia.

James issued a statement about the defeat of the two measures:

"I never doubted that Kansas City voters would defeat the ill-conceived Questions 1 and 2," he said.

"Clay Chastain’s bad plan was thoroughly rejected by voters and for good reason. His proposed taxes did not come close to paying for the wildly expensive plan that included trains, streetcars, buses, and gondolas."

"Kansas City voters have time and time again demonstrated they will invest in the priorities that keep our city moving forward including infrastructure, streets, parks and transportation. They will support good plans built on sound data and a thoughtful approach."

"The rejection of Clay Chastain’s endless lawsuits and bad planning is just one more indication that our citizens believe our city is on the right path. In soundly defeating Clay Chastain’s latest sideshow, we can focus together on the work to make Kansas City best."

"Although we have made strides, Kansas City is just getting started. By working together we will build on my Four E agenda – strengthening law Enforcement, creating a world class Education system, extending quality Employment opportunities and increasing the city’s Efficiency to deliver core services. "

"As your Mayor, I’m proud of the progress our city has made in the past few years and look forward to working our citizens to build on Kansas City’s momentum."